inquisitive geek with fibroid tumors ™ blog

Uterine fibroids can cause heavy menstrual periods and unusual monthly bleeding patterns often leading to iron deficiency anemia. To address this issue, iron pills were used in the first phase of my fibroid treatment.

I was already taking little green 65mg ferrous sulfate pills 3 times a day. My Gynecologist switched my prescription to 151mg Chromagen® Forte capsules twice a day. I had the feeling that the pills would be big. I really don’t like to take big pills.

Sure enough, they were HUGE! The large purple gelatin capsules reminded me of Mike & Ike Jolly Joes Grape candy. I could leisurely chew those but would (oh, no) have to swallow my medicine whole. Surprisingly, I was able to take the pills. They looked pretty big but actually didn’t feel big at all. Iron pills can cause stomach upset, heartburn, and constipation but I did not experience any problems.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has a helpful site with anemia information. It discusses symptoms, causes, foods high in iron, and tips on taking iron pills.

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Related Posts:
Uterine fibroid tumors and anemia?
Iron pills, Lupron injections, and the return of little Miss Perky

So, after being diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia because of my fibroids, I was left with specific instructions:

1. Take 65mg ferrous sulfate 3 times a day
2. Eat plenty of iron-rich foods
3. Go to the ER for a blood transfusion if symptoms worsen

I took the iron pills and consumed enough spinach to make Popeye proud. Fortunately, I never required a blood transfusion for my anemia.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has a nice site with health information for patients called FamilyDoctor.org. I found the page on anemia quite helpful. It discusses symptoms, causes, foods high in iron, and tips on taking iron pills.

OK. Next stop (quasi-sinister music) – first visit with my new Gynecologist!

Heavy periods resulting from fibroids can lead to iron deficiency anemia. The Mayo Clinic web site has some good information on the signs and symptoms.

General Symptoms of Anemia:

• Extreme fatigue
• Pale skin
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Cold hands and feet

Specific Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia:

• Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
• Brittle nails
• Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or pure starch
• Headache
• Poor appetite
• Some people with iron deficiency anemia experience restless legs syndrome— an uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in your legs that’s generally relieved by moving them

I suffered from just about every symptom listed in the general category. The fatigue was extreme. I was ALWAYS tired and weak. Walking up just a few steps caused me to become completely winded. EVERY time I stood up, my heart would beat out of my chest and I would feel faint. I was also dealing with a loss in concentration which, for me, was torture. Specifically, headaches were a big problem. Didn’t really suffer from too many before this so I noticed the increase. Also had a weird tingling sensation in my legs that I originally attributed to my fibroids. I now believe I was experiencing restless leg syndrome.

If you have a problem with blood loss and notice these symptoms, seek medical assistance. My anemia forced me to “crawl” in for help. Please don’t wait for your situation to get to that point.

I’ve looked at several web pages to compare symptom information. I feel the most comprehensive list is found at the site of the Society of Interventional Radiology. I’ll itemize them here and talk briefly about the ones that bothered the heck out of me.

• Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods and unusual monthly bleeding, sometimes clots. This often leads to anemia.
• Pelvic pain
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness caused by the bulk or weight of the fibroids pressing on nearby structures
• Pain in the back or legs as the fibroids press on nerves that supply the pelvis and legs
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bladder pressure leading to a constant urge to urinate
• Pressure on the bowel, leading to constipation and bloating
• Abnormally enlarged abdomen

Symptoms of my fibroids:

• Heavy bleeding. My clots were so huge they could star in their own late-night monster movie.
• Pelvic pain. It was torture every time my uterus was forced to expel one of the large clots. To relieve the pain, I would munch enough Motrin to fill a PEZ dispenser.
• Pelvic pressure and heaviness. I always felt bulky and full.
• Back pain. I could never quite get into a comfortable position.
• Bladder pressure/frequent urination. In the bathroom just about every hour during the night.
• Abnormally enlarged abdomen. Someone actually thought I was pregnant and congratulated me! (Although not funny at the time, I’m chuckling now.)

Wow, that looks pretty bad written out. It’s amazing that this was not enough to get me into a doctor’s office to take care of the fibroids once and for all. The thing that caused me to crawl in for help is the topic of my next post.

Note: I noticed on the SIR site that only 10 – 20% of women with fibroids ever require treatment. Well, I guess that just makes us special.

[Added September 17, 2006] Deep vein thrombosis is a rare complication resulting from uterine fibroid tumors. For more information, please see this deep vein thrombosis post.

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Related Posts:
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroid tumors and anemia?
Would somebody tell me how much these dang fibroid tumors weigh?
Sex and fibroids just don’t go together, now do they?